History of Amesbury - Merrill.org

HISTORY OF AMESBURY. 83
"Att y e same metting Thomas Barnards and Richard Currier
was chosen to go two Mr Showell or Mr Woodbridgs son to
see if they can ataine either of them to be helpful two us in
y e worke of ye ministry."
The people were tired of going to Salisbury to meeting and
were now in earnest about the matter. For years the feeling
had been in favor of this measure, but they were hardly able
to support a minister or numerous enough to render such a
step necessary. When the first attempt was made in 1658
the prospect was not sufficiently encouraging to induce the Gen-
eral Court to grant their petition ; but on full consideration they
were ordered to worship with the old town. The old town
hardly felt able to support Mr. Worcester without their help,
and hence their opposition to the measure. In 1660 there
seemed to be no opposition, and yet they failed to get Mr.
Dumer, probably for the reason that the prospect was hardly
bright enough. Having continued with the Salisbury church
four years longer and increased in numbers and ability, they
now move with a determination which does them much credit.
They were fully aware that the General Court would refuse them
a township until they had obtained a minister, nor were they
disposed to ask" any such favor. Wherever the Puritans went,
the meeting and school were sure to be found.
The location of this meeting house was on the acre bought
of "Edman Elleat" for a burying place. It was the prevailing
custom in early days to make such locations. It probably stood
just back of the Hoyt tomb, near the shop of the late Joseph
Bartlett, and hither the scattered population resorted on each
returning Sabbath. In this little hopper-roof church at toll
of bell, the old, middle aged and young quietly took the
seats assigned them and listened to the word as expounded to
them by the eloquent young minister whom they had chosen.
The committee chosen to go to Mr. Showell and young
Woodbridge were not successful in obtaining either of them,
and April 3d, at a meeting then held, Lieut. Challis and John
Hoyt, sen., were chosen " to treat with Capttin Pyke to see if
they can obtaine him to be helpful to us in the work of the